Sometimes we take for granted the beauty all around us …
This is especially true with local attractions we take for granted or attractions which might not boast a “wow” factor …
Recently, we carved out a few hours to visit the Phillips Park Sunken Gardens & Zoo in Aurora, IL. Aurora is a far western suburb of Chicago, immediately west of bustling Naperville.
Even though these beautiful gardens and free zoo are located a mere 15 minutes from our home, we never took the time to pay them a visit and enjoy their splendor … until now!
About Phillips Park Sunken Gardens & Zoo
Phillips Park is located on the eastern edge of Aurora, just a few miles (about ten minutes) west of Illinois Route 59, a major north-south thoroughfare in the northern part of the state.
From Naperville, take Route 59 to Montgomery Road and head west. Once you pass Route 30, the park is on your right about 1/2 mile down …
The crown jewel of the Aurora Park District, Phillips Park sprawls over 325 acres. In addition to the zoo and sunken gardens, you’ll discover a family aquatic center, 18 hole golf course, a three acre dog park, and Mastodon Lake.
Mastodon Lake is so named because when the lake was being dug and completed, a full mastodon skeleton was unearthed! Check out the park’s visitor center to see the recovered bones and learn more about their discovery …
Phillips Park Zoo: Talk To The Animals
One of the park’s main attractions is the free Phillips Park Zoo. Popular with families, the zoo is home to about 100 animals. Stroll around the grounds and you’ll see great horned owls, reptiles, bald eagles, and more. A heartwarming aspect of this zoo is many of the animals were brought here due to a permanent injury which prevents them from surviving in the wild …
All told, over 40 species are represented here. You can learn about each animal’s normal habitat, diet, and other interesting facts. Best of all, the zoo is open to visitors free of charge, with convenient free parking and ample refreshment and convenience stop locations.
After you’re done visiting the animals at the zoo, show your own four legged friend a rousing good time at the park’s 3 acre dog park. There’s easy access via a trail from Mastodon Lake and the dog park is gated and enclosed so your pet can romp, run, and play to their heart’s content!
All About Phillips Park Sunken Gardens
Phillips Park Sunken Gardens are unlike any other in Chicago’s western suburbs. They have quite a long history, dating back to the 1930’s …
When you visit, you’ll find the gardens adjacent to the Phillips Park Zoo and quite near the Visitor’s Center. Depending on the season, you’ll see brilliant displays of native, annual, and perennial plants awash with color …
The Sunken Gardens were completely renovated in the early 2000’s. A multi level walkway was installed, along with an irrigation system, benches, and a three tiered lighted fountain. Be sure to check out the statues located at each corner of the gardens. They represent the four seasons and serve as a stately backdrop for the grounds …
During our recent visit, many plants were in bloom including colorful shrub roses, begonias, canna lilies, marigolds, petunias and more. This popular spot has become a prime backdrop for wedding and prom photos.
We look forward to returning in the spring … they are known for a splendid display of tulips in April – May.
As noted above, visiting the Sunken Gardens and the Phillips Park Zoo is absolutely free. It’s one of the nicest locales in the area for communing with the animals and enjoying nature!
Stopping For A Bite To Eat Near Phillips Park
One reason we enjoy visiting Phillips Park so much is Gario’s Pizza is located right across the street on Montgomery Road …
A classic comfortable spot, Gario’s has been around for over 60 years. Locals love it and it’s a go to spot for pizza, sandwiches, and refreshments. Gario’s is very family friendly but if you’ve got a taste for a cold beer, they’ve got you covered with ample selections both on bottles, cans, and on tap.
Gario’s is as casual as can be. Just walk up to the front counter, place your order, and have a seat at one of the many tables or wooden booths. Everything is made to order, but things move quickly. When your order is ready, they’ll call your name over the intercom and you’re all set!
The thin crust pizza is Gario’s go to menu item, but you won’t go wrong with any of the sandwiches either. All in all, it’s the perfect place to bookend a visit to Phillips Park …
We hope you found this post about the Phillips Park Sunken Gardens and Zoo interesting. Have you been there? What are your favorite features? Let us know your thoughts by visiting our contact page …
